Well the end of another chapter has arrived. Covid put an end to the Nevs being nomadic, however that is about to change. This is the longest we have been in one spot since 2003 and who would have thought we would end up being in Nelson living in the most awesome tiny house for 3 1/2 years.
Work is done and dusted for now and farewell Nelson………but we will be back.
The crazy Covid world we are currently all living in has put the overseas travel as we knew it on hold for the past 2 years. We miss our Asia adventures so much, however, we are fortunate to be stuck in paradise close to family and friends and currently planning the next chapter.
Today we got out on Betty and Nancy for some fun in the sun.
Happy New Year everyone and best wishes for 22. Watch this space for The Nomadic Nevs next chapter coming soon.
Great times in Hans Bay last night staying in the tiny big house.
It all started well
Then it was all downhill…… and that wasn’t on the bikes….!
No problem sleeping last night for everyone and a few loud snorers keeping the village of Hans Bay awake. Good hearty brekki before the pedals were turning.
Overcast in Hans Bay and fingers crossed the rain was going to stay away.
Lovely ride along the Arahura River to Milltown and up to Cowboys Paradise
A few spots of rain but stunning scenery
Then a cuppa and a chat with this Coast character at Trappers Rest.
Super fun riding, only one missed turn off by Alex and before we knew it we were in Kumara although Alex could easily have ended up in Haast.
So lucky not to get wet today and great digs at Theatre Hotel.
Great night out last night in Hoki, and awesome to have Donna and Scott joining us.
After brekki it was time to get the supplies for tonight.
A little more repacking of the over sized toilet bag and we were ready to hit the road. Mandy and Alex taking the easy option of getting their gear transferred and they have e-bikes….!!!
Another beautiful day as we depart Hokitika.
Regrouped after Alex missed the turn off. Her and her e-bike were in the zone. Then we were at Lake Kaniere and truly stunning.
Lunch stop at Lake Kaniere
Then onto Hans Bay and a lovely side ride to Dorothy Falls.
Lovely digs in Hans Bay. Another awesome day of riding.
3rd time for The Nevs riding the West Coast Wilderness Trail and it gets better every time. This time we have friends joining us so double the fun with Andy and Mandy and soon to be triple the fun when Alex and Chris join us tonight and start riding with us tomorrow.
Departing Nelson – Saturday 1st May
Mandy looking a little excited
Arrived at Greymouth and realised Mandy needs a lesson in packing for bike touring, starting with the size of the toilet (sponge) bag…!
Start of the trail snap last night
Then off to the Ross pub. Got to love $12 jugs of Speights in glass jugs with the local characters.
Sun going down on Ross township
Ross Top 10 sunset
Fine dining at Ross Top 10
The boys cooking us up a good bike touring brekki this morning
Then loading up Betty and Nancy for Day 1 of riding.
Ross to Hokitika 36km
Ross beach and ready for action
Coffee at Treetops walkway then onwards
Hokitika turned on the weather for us.
Absolutely beautiful day and magic view from our digs tonight. Roll on tomorrow.
Enjoying our staycation on our 3 days off and this morning we got a shuttle from Nelson out to the Spooners tunnel. The longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere.
Despite having ridden it 4 times the claustrophobia kicked in and that didn’t help with the light on my bike not working! Thought I was going to come unstuck during the 1.35km but happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Betty and Nancy getting ready for the tunnelHere goes……
Out the other side and wow what a huge improvement in the surface of the trail since last time we did the ride. Smashed the other side of the tunnel, blazed through the hop farms which are expanding by the day, onwards through Wakefield then time for a rest in Brightwater.
Loving riding through the hops and this section of the trail is stunning. Rest stop in Brightwater
The strong northerly made for a tough day of riding but the Maccas ice cream reward was well worth it.
A few mechanical issues with Betty but all sorted after realising the derailleur was missing a bolt!!!! Handy Andy had a spare so all fixed.
Awesome day out and fantastic ride on our door step.
First we had to tick off being tourists in Cromwell. So pretty and the historical part of the town is amazing.
Then yesterday it was time to hit the Central Otago trails.
Coffee stop in Clyde before getting the bikesHuge thanks to the Bike It Now team. Your bikes and service was awesome.Otago Rail Trail Clyde to AlexandraAlexandra on a perfect spring dayRoxburgh Gorge Trail truly amazing
Amazing day of riding finished off with the River Trail from Alex back to Clyde.
Clyde – Alexandra – Roxburgh Gorge Trail – Alexandra – Clyde = 47km.
Put it on the To Do list. We will be back for more exploring.
Doing our bit to support the local economy and being tourists yet again in our own backyard.
This was the first time we had both been down this way since the early 1980s so was like a new discovery and can now see why tourists come in droves to visit this beautiful part of NZ.
Te Anau picture perfect Sneaky drinkie at the Ranch in Te AnauMirror LakesMirror Lake walkwayHomer tunnelSecurity at the Homer TunnelMilford Sound. 28 bus car parks and not a bus in site. Absolutely awesome day exploring and so lucky with the weather
Picture perfect WanakaA visit to Cardrona distillery for whisky tastings to warm up0 Degrees top of Crown RangeLoving ArrowtownThe snow has arrived in QueenstownStunning view from our apartment this morningHalf way up Tiki Trail making our way to top of the Skyline.Where’s WallyBit slippery in placesMade it and well worth it